Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
STANLEY CHIRAMBADARE has paid tribute to the late Dynamos right-back Angirayi “Chapo” Chapo, describing him as a captain who commanded respect yet never lost his firmness.
Chapo died last Tuesday at his Mufakose home and was laid to rest in Harare this week. He was in his early sixties.
He broke into the Dynamos first team in the mid-1980s, stepping in for Garnett Muchongwe at right-back. That was no ordinary team. It was a ruthless Dynamos outfit that dominated local football, sweeping league titles and tournaments at a time when CAPS United, Arcadia, Rio Tinto, Highlanders and Zimbabwe Saints were strong forces in the Super League, before the Premier Soccer League was formed in 1993.
Chirambadare, who cemented his place at left-back in 1987, recalled the formidable defence they formed together, with Misheck Chidzambwa, Henry Chari and later Francis Shonhayi.
“We were friends on and off the pitch. Our movements upfront were well coordinated. As a captain he had respect but was firm,” said Chirambadare.
It was Chapo who persuaded Chirambadare back to Dynamos after years of back-and-forth with the club. “When Dynamos wanted me back, they sent Chapo to talk to me. His calm and persistent character persuaded me,” he said.
Known as “Samora” in his playing days, Chirambadare remembered Chapo as the embodiment of Dynamos’ fighting spirit. His combative play earned him the nickname Durawall.
